Delayed cord clamping benefits baby: study

Delaying clamping of the umbilical cord after birth can benefit newborn babies, a study shows.

While the practice in most high-income countries is to wait less than a minute after birth to clamp the umbilical cord, the La Trobe University study found that waiting at least a minute after birth increases a baby's blood and iron levels.

The study also found delayed cord clamping might also slightly increase the risk of jaundice, which is treated by light therapy.

Lead author, Professor of Midwifery, Susan McDonald, said the benefits of delayed cord clamping needed to be weighted against the small additional risk of jaundice in newborns.

Other benefits to waiting include higher haemoglobin levels a few days after birth, babies are less likely to be iron-deficient three to six weeks after birth and birth weight was also higher.

The La Trobe University study reviewed 15 international trials involving nearly 4000 women and their babies.

The review supports the World Health Organisation recommendation of cord clamping between one and three minutes after birth.